Verratti lauds Isco after masterclass
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has heaped praise on Spanish playmaker Isco after he ran the show as Spain defeated Italy 3-0 in World Cup qualifying on Saturday night at the Bernabeu.
The Real Madrid midfielder opened the scoring with a free kick before doubling Spain's lead with an effort from outside the area, thus becoming the first player to score two goals from outside of the box in the same game for Spain in at least 13 years.
His performance caught the eye of many, including PSG centre-midfielder Verratti who was also tormented by the former Malaga man during the match.
One phase of play saw Isco nutmeg Verratti in the most audacious of fashions something which the Italian said made him want to stand back and applaud.
Speaking after the game, Verratti told the press: 'I suffered a lot against Isco.
'I was taken aback by his performance. Not even Messi has come close to that level. When I saw his nutmeg, I felt like standing up and applauding too.'
High praise indeed from the Italian, though richly deserved after a stunning performance from the Real Madrid man.